Tall Drink of Waterfall

Hike to Horsetail Falls in El Dorado National Forest

Tucked between Echo Summit and Lover’s Leap on US 50 there's an impressive display of water barreling down a mountain. Hello, Horsetail Falls! The commanding 800-foot-tall waterfall rushes down the glacier-carved granite face. A 3.3-mile (round-trip) out-and-back trail to the falls takes you right to its base. Although relatively short, the trail is steep. Start by following the Pyramid Creek Loop Trail. A waterfall greets you just 100 yards from the parking lot.

The trail continues through the forest before reaching another waterfall. As these initial cascades greet you en route, keep an eye out: you’ll see the powerful Horsetail Falls in the distance. From the second waterfall, the trail disappears as the forest turns into granite-scape. This is where the Pyramid Creek Loop Trail ends and turns into the (marked) Wilderness Boundary Trail. Follow the cairns for a short scramble until subalpine forest reappears.

Trees nailed with clear trail markers let you know you’re on the right path. Along the way, the runoff from the falls pools into calm water. After another 0.5 mile, you’ll see a Desolation Wilderness post, where you can register for a day-use permit (free). From here, the trail splinters in multiple directions. Tip: Keep the creek to your right and an eye on the falls up ahead (in summer, this is a heavily trafficked trail, so it’s a good way to check in for assurances on direction). The trail ends at the bottom of the falls, where rushing water juts around the eroding rocks from all angles, creating the effect of a whipping horsetail. Horsetail Falls! You’ll have to crane your neck to see the top of this gushing beauty. Yep, tall drink of waterfall!

Park at the Pyramid Creek Trailhead just off Hwy. 50 at Twin Bridges. Parking permit is $5. Desolation Wilderness requires a day-use permit, which can be obtained at the trail (no charge). The trail splinters in several places put all the trails lead to Horsetail Falls. Keep your eyes open for trail markers and use Pyramid Creek as a guide. In summer, the trail is very popular, so stop and ask if in doubt. Note: Use common sense and safety before taking a dip in the waters around here.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View